On Saturday (5/14) morning I left Santa Rosa at 3:00 am and made it to the gate at 6:58 am - just before it opened. I then met several friends who had stayed the night at the backpackers camp at Hetch Hetchy. The trail in was very nice, Wampana Falls was flowing and we got soaked going across the bridges on the trail. After a leisurely hike, we make it to Rancheria Falls, set up camp and then wandered along the river taking pictures of the good water flow. After a great meal of dehydrated turkey chili (that I dehydrated on Thursday night ), chimichurri rice (that I dehydrated on Thursday night ), fresh avocado, tomato and cilantro, a squeeze of lime and tapatio, I took some evening pictures and then got an awesome nights sleep.

Next morning, after coffee and oatmeal, I left the group behind and headed out to the trailhead. Made it in just over 2 hours and then was in the car, didn't stop until I was in my driveway at 3:45 p.m. All in all, the trip was just over 36 hours, about 16 miles of hiking and some awesome scenery. I didn't see any bears this time - last time I was there in 2010 - I saw 4!!

Here are a few pictures.

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Thanks Maverick. Love the site! I have already received such useful information from posters such as yourself and Wandering Daisy. Hope I can contribute - will be taking a couple friends up the GCY starting Monday (now that Tioga is open) and will post a TR and bug report ASAP.

And thanks scrotata. Your shots are not only well composed and full of vibrance, but also convey emotion, which is a talent. Cheers!